Oh no…error alert!!! I’m just kidding, but some people might say that, when they see this verse translated in 3 different tenses. But all three are exactly right.

The Hebrew word ‛âśâh (aw-saw) translated will do, has done, and is doing in these different translations can mean all three. It is a common Hebrew word used 2633 times in the Old Testament and it is used in each one of the three tenses. So how do I know which one it is supposed to be? You let the context determine it. In this case though, I’d have to say YES they are all right and appropriate.

Joel is encouraging Israel not to fear, “FEAR NOT” because the Lord will do great things (note vs 28-29 one of those great things is receiving the Holy Ghost Acts 2). Joel is also encouraging them that they needn’t fear because God has done marvelous things and has a great track record of taking care of His people. So they could rest confidently and fearlessly knowing that the Lord who will do great things, has done great things, and certainly is doing great things.

This hasn’t changed. As a Believer under the New Covenant, you have nothing to fear because God has done marvelous things for us and to us through our redemption provided by Christ Jesus. But He isn’t done. Jesus will continue to do great things, one of them being His glorious return for His Church so we needn’t fear. And of course, He ever continues to live and is doing great things in us and among us by His Spirit. It’s a win, win, win situation.

We have nothing to fear. So FEAR NOT, God has done, will do, and is doing great things for us.